Orion Genomics has entered into a multiyear collaboration and license agreement with the molecular diagnostics unit of Novartis Pharma AG. Under the collaboration, the parties seek to discover novel epigenetic biomarkers, and both parties have rights to independently develop and commercialize diagnostic products in their respective fields. Under the terms of the agreement, Orion Genomics also grants Novartis nonexclusive worldwide rights to its proprietary MethylScreen clinical assay technology. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The collaboration will leverage Orion Genomics’ MethylScope Technology to build high-resolution genome-wide DNA methylation maps for the discovery of epigenetic biomarkers in multiple disease fields. Novartis also obtains a nonexclusive license to MethylScreen Technology, Orion’s PCR-based clinical assay platform that quantitatively detects epigenetic biomarkers in patient samples. Under the agreement, Orion and Novartis intend to develop and commercialize promising diagnostic products that address various stages of disease. Resulting diagnostic tests could lead to advances in personalized medicine, potentially helping doctors optimize the treatment of patients.
Tags: Collaboration
